The Uganda Civil Aviation Authority (UCAA) has reaffirmed its strategic commitment to leveraging the air transport industry as a primary engine for regional integration, tourism, and national economic growth. This was the central message delivered by the UCAA Deputy Director General, Ms. Olive Birungi Lumonya, during a keynote address at the second National Transport Roundtable held on Friday at Hotel Africana, Kampala.
The event, organised by the Civil Aviation Coalition on Transport (CISCOT) in Uganda, convened civil society members and aviation stakeholders to discuss “unlocking the potential of Uganda’s Air Transport and Aviation industry.”
Ms. Lumonya presented a comprehensive overview of the sector’s current trajectory, detailing key infrastructure milestones, ongoing upgrades, and the strategic path forward.
Entebbe and Upcountry Airports as Infrastructure Backbone
According to Ms. Lumonya, the core of Uganda’s aviation strategy rests on expanding and modernising its physical infrastructure, ensuring the country can handle increasing traffic and global demands.
Ms. Lumonya highlighted the significant milestones achieved in the ongoing upgrade of Entebbe International Airport (EIA).
This multi-phase project, she noted, “is crucial for expanding passenger and cargo handling capacity, which is vital for accommodating the growing influx of tourists and trade goods.”
Upcountry Airport Development
Beyond the main gateway, the UCAA presented its plans and ongoing works for several upcountry airports.
This strategic development, Ms. Lumonya observed, aims to decentralise air transport, boosting regional trade and providing seamless access to Uganda’s remote tourist attractions, such as the national parks. “This investment in regional hubs is essential for deepening regional integration,” she said.
Challenges and Mitigation
The UCAA Deputy Director General did not shy away from the challenges facing the sector. She highlighted that by addressing these head-on, UCAA presented a commitment to proactive governance and sustainable growth. Her address focused on:
Industry Challenges
This, she said, includes identifying key obstacles, which typically include financing needs, technology adoption, and capacity building.
Mitigation Measures
Ms. Lumonya stated that to address the obstacles, it is necessary to outline the specific strategies UCAA is employing to overcome these challenges, ensuring that the sector’s growth is safe, secure, and sustainable. She observed that this commitment to mitigating risks fosters greater confidence among international partners and investors.
Platform for Stakeholder Engagement
The National Transport RoundTable served as a crucial platform for dialogue, emphasising the UCAA’s commitment to transparency and collaboration.
Attended by key UCAA leaders, including the Director of Airports and Aviation Security, Eng. Sooma Ayub, the General Manager of Regional Airports, Mr. Sam Wonekha, and the Manager of Public Affairs, Mr. Vianney Luggya Mpungu, the event allowed civil society members to make comments and pose direct questions.
This active stakeholder engagement ensures that the development of the national air transport system is aligned with the needs and interests of the Ugandan public and private sectors.
The successful discussion sets a high bar for the next round table, which is scheduled to focus on the railway sector on Wednesday, November 5, 2025, underscoring the comprehensive approach Uganda is taking toward developing an integrated national transport system.